Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Vista de Lirio #3

Trouble Play

Rate this book
This desert oasis has gone to the dogs, and Vista de Lirio is about to get bloody.
(Not the dogs though. The dogs are fine.)


Comedian Evy Lane thought she’d done it all, but taking on the role of mistress of ceremonies for the Desert Fancy Dog Show may be her most challenging gig yet. The locals are a menagerie of high-strung prima donnas, nervous Nelsons, and she’s not talking about the dogs!


When high stakes competition leads to gruesome murder, she’s going to need every telepathic power at her disposal—and every psychic friend she knows—to make this show go on. Pesky police detectives, dangerously attractive investigators, and a menagerie of our favorite Vista de Lirio characters make this mystery the most twisted yet!

Trouble Play is the third book in the Vista de Lirio series, a new paranormal mystery series by Elizabeth Hunter, bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Glimmer Lake series, and The Irin Chronicles.

Author’s Note: No fictional or non-fictional canines have been harmed in the writing of this novel. Fictional humans are on their own.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2022

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Elizabeth Hunter

76 books5,986 followers
ELIZABETH HUNTER is a ten-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.

She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over three million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
601 (59%)
4 stars
302 (30%)
3 stars
90 (8%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Hunter.
Author 76 books5,986 followers
Read
October 18, 2022


It is here!! I hope you all love all the dog puns, steamy moments and mystery in Vista de Lirio!
----
NOW AVAILABLE
#affiliatelink
AmazonWorld: https://amzn.to/3Toxasc
AmazonPrint: https://amzn.to/3Tdjtg3
B&N Paperback: https://tinyurl.com/yrhw6ddm

Paranormal women's fiction for lovers of sassy women, psychic shenanigans, and lifelong friends.

This desert oasis has gone to the dogs, and things are about to get bloody! (Not the dogs though. The dogs are fine.)

Comedian Evy Lane thought she’d done it all, but taking on the role of mistress of ceremonies for the Desert Fancy Dog Show may be her most challenging gig yet. The locals are a menagerie of high-strung prima donnas, nervous Nelsons, and she’s not talking about the dogs!

When high stakes competition leads to gruesome murder, she’s going to need every telepathic power at her disposal—and every psychic friend she knows—to make this show go on. Pesky police detectives, dangerously attractive investigators, and a menagerie of our favorite Vista de Lirio characters make this mystery the most twisted yet!

TROUBLE PLAY is the third book in the Vista de Lirio series, a new paranormal mystery series by Elizabeth Hunter, bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Glimmer Lake series, and The Irin Chronicles.
63 reviews
October 18, 2022
This is the third and the last book in the Vista De Lirio series. I love these women and their mature friendship. It’s such a nice world to escape to for a bit of mystery and a good laugh. I highly recommend it!
224 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2022
As always I was so happy when I saw this book arrive in my inbox. There is always something to look forward to when starting a book by Elizabeth Hunter. Trouble Play was a wonderful cozy mystery with lots of lovable side characters that we got to see again from the first 2 books in the Vista De Lirio series. Especially Paco. I’m not sure if I like the guard alpaca or his owner Sergio more. I think I could happily read “A Day In The Life Of…” about that man, his alpaca, hubby, twin daughters and the zany things that occur in his daily life 😆

But back to the story at hand, and the Dog Show. If you love dogs, and have any inkling about what behind the scenes at an event like entails, you’re already ready to one click this. It was a whole world I really hadn’t looked to deeply into, and now that I have, I’m starting so secretly question the sanity of people I actually know! Lol I was looking forward to Evy settling into her ability and was happy to see her eventually find a way to do just that. Though again, I found myself wondering what her mysterious Aunt Marie was up to and was hoping I’d find out!

How Evy managed to help host such an insane event all while trying to help find a missing dog and solve even more harrowing crimes simultaneously made my head whirl. And I can’t even hear peoples thoughts, so I felt for her! Luckily she had a devastatingly handsome and charming distraction as well as her girl squad and their abilities to help her bring it all home.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
132 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2022
Come for the plot twists and murderous conspiracies, stay for the dog puns! (Or is it the other way around…?)

I had a chance to read an early copy of Trouble Play, the third in Elizabeth Hunter’s Vista de Lirio series. In keeping with the theme of the series, Trouble Play centers around Evy, a woman who has entered her forties with brand-new, unwelcome psychic powers. A steady dose of anti-anxiety medication has been keeping Evy’s telepathy at bay for now; it might not be the long-term solution she needs, but it will get her through her latest gig: co-hosting the Desert Fancy Dog Show. (Truly, the best setting.) Unfortunately, when the competition turns deadly, Evy finds herself pulled into an investigation that might leave her with no choice but to face the parts of herself she fears.

One thing I’ve enjoyed about the Vista de Lirio series in particular is the unapologetic eccentricity of both the characters and the locations. Don’t get me wrong: I love murder mysteries in all forms. But I can safely say I’ve never read a murder mystery that centers around a dog show, where the primary investigator is actually a full-time pool-cleaner/ventriloquist/stand-up comedian who also happens to be a late-blooming telepath. (Did you follow all that?) Trust me, it is absolute, delicious, unexpected fun the whole ride through.

(Also, it feels oddly niche, but incredibly soothing to read about a heroine who is working full time, is in her forties, and is grappling with the weirdness of being the only one in a friend group who doesn’t own her own home.)

Highly recommend.

(No dogs are harmed in the making of this story.)
Profile Image for Bethany Hayes.
42 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2022
When a mystery arrives at Evy’s dog show she quickly realizes that’s it’s connected to the show. She starts to investigate and she has the best of friends who are right by her side an a new man. Can she solve the mystery? Or will things get in the way? Let me tell you guys don’t want to miss out on this book because it’s not what I was expecting. It’s so good!
Profile Image for Cee.
265 reviews
October 11, 2022
What a perfect ending to this trilogy-although truth be told I would love to see an extended epilogue novella! The mystery kept me hopping. Lots of twists and turns! I didn’t come close to figuring it out. The world of dog shows was a great setting. This is the 3rd book in a trilogy set in Palm Springs CA. The series involves three unexpected friends dealing with newly accessed paranormal/psychic gift. I really hope that Ms Hunter is going to write more paranormal women’s fiction. The three trilogies - Glimmer Lake, Moonstone Cove and this Vista de Lirio - are well written, entertaining and all should be on your TBR list!
Profile Image for Jessica Prow.
Author 2 books9 followers
October 12, 2022
A dog show, with crazy owners who with do anything to win, a 40+ year old heroine grappling with her newly found telepathy skills and a ventriloquist dummy with its original ghost owner still attached... and you've got one heck of a fun murder mystery where eccentricities abound!!

I really connected with Evy and the feeling of not quite fitting in with her friends, and not necessarily feeling her age. Bring truth and light to the insecurities we all feel at different ages.

Sad to see our wonderfully fantastic friends at Vista de Lirio go, but glad to have been along for the ride. I still believe everyone needs a Sergio in their lives!!
Profile Image for Kate.
238 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2022
Loved it! A dog show turns deadly in the third installment of the Vista de Lirio series. Evy is a comedian tapped to co-host a local dog show. Scandal means the cops bring Evy, Julia, and Vivian in to help with the case, which makes Evy confront her telepathy. This whodunit has some twists and crazy characters, including Evy's new sexy man friend. This wraps up the series, which I've really enjoyed. This PWF series has been a little spicer, and the female leads are slightly more non-traditional than her others. I really appreciated the addition to Elizabeth Hunter's PWF world, which is generally lighter and read quicker than her Elemental and Irin Chronicles series.
Profile Image for Michelle Seckinger.
457 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2022
I think Evy is my favorite of the friend trio. I love the boundaries that she sets to protect herself and the loyalty she has for those she loves.

I have never read a book where the mystery involves a dog show and now I definitely want more. Very unique and engaging!
Profile Image for Manda.
257 reviews
November 5, 2022
Who knew that the world of international dog shows could be so deadly? When Evy accepts the gig to be a broadcast commentator at the Desert Fancy Dog Show, she anticipates her role to be adding some lighthearted fun to the broadcast, balancing out the technical knowledge of her co-host, Chip. Being asked to consult in another police investigation by using her telepathic abilities at the dog show was the last thing Evy wants. But as the bodies pile up, what else can she do?

I've always enjoyed Evy's character; her outside the box, grey area thinking, willingness to push the boundaries, and how she makes her own way with a pool cleaning business and comedy gigs. She has always seemed so confident in who she is, her inability to fully accept her telepathy being the exception. In Trouble Play, Evy shows a deeper insecurity in her life's direction, but also a recognition of how deep her bond with Julia and Vivian has developed. Evy's love interest, Rafe, is a perfect compliment to her, though his character had me guessing at times about his motives.

This is such a fun book, murders aside, with all my favorite characters back for Sunday dinner at Dean and Sergio's, and Paco up to his usual antics. Detective John Marcos knows he will need Julia communing with ghosts, Vivian's empathy, Evy's telepathy, and Rafe with his connections, all working together to find the murderer. Solving the mysteries had so many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, and the final revelation was a stunner. And how did Aunt Marie come back from Vegas with all that cash? Hmm...
Profile Image for Sheri P.
846 reviews21 followers
October 9, 2022
I love the way Elizabeth Hunter writes female friendships! This is book three of the Vista De Lirio series and this one is Evy’s story. Evy is a complex woman, she owns her own business and is also a freelance entertainer. This installment revolves around the world of competitive dog shows with a show that. Evy is commentating. When a mystery arises connected to the show Evy becomes entangled in the investigation and her friends are right at her side along with a new sexy love interest. This mystery takes extra unexpected twists and I love that I was truly surprised!
This was a fun conclusion to the series, I’m only sad it’s over!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angela Hillier.
137 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2022
This third in the Vista de Lirio series was so good. What made it so good? Dogs it has lots of dogs.
So this story was centred around Evy and how she felt her life was so not together. Evy is an entertainer and she gets a job co-hosting the fancy dog show. Sounds great right? Then all turns into a mystery when one of the dogs goes missing. Then things turn deadly.
The three ladies get together once again to solve the case along with the detective John Marcos.
Again Elizabeth makes us guess, at who has done it,laugh at all the dog puns and swoon at the impossibly perfect Rafe.
I’m so lucky to of had this turn up in my inbox early. It really is a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
99 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2022
This paranormal women's fiction book had me feeling all kinds of cozy. It was exactly what i wanted to be reading. Murder mystery feel, but better somehow. Probably because there's ghosts, maybe because of the paranormal, but definitely because of the alpaca.

I loved the Vista De Lirio series. It was cool to see the friendships and relationships that developed. It's always so easy to slip into any of Elizabeth Hunter's books and fall in love. I'm satisfied every time
Profile Image for Maegs InWonderland.
55 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2022
The finale to this trilogy leaves us following along with a really lovely combination of all our favourite people and pets from Vista de Lirio. We get more humour in this book than the others (thanks to Evy and Geoff), a solid whodunnit mystery with murders and theft, the spiciest romantic connection of our three leading ladies yet (Evy and Rafe are my new favourite neighbourhood couple, despite all their really hot moments being off-page) and I also learned more information than I ever thought I’d acquire about dog shows! Evy is very relatable and it’s easy to empathize with what her character is going through in this story. I was sent an advance copy to review and am happy to report that it wrapped up everything beautifully and I’m left feeling quite satisfied. Elizabeth Hunter has yet again woven an intriguing and creative plot line into her special brand of storytelling. I continue to be impressed with her writing style and the research she’s clearly done to be able to include such awesome details and insights. I absolutely recommend curling up to read this book with a warm cup of coffee (or maybe a cocktail toast to Sergio and Dean).
Profile Image for Tanja.
665 reviews15 followers
October 18, 2022
I'm sad. Sad i have to say goodbye to these three friends, their friends and Paco(can't forget him!)
Who knew dog people could be so murderous, but alas... Evy is roped into facing the music on different fronts. Facing her abilities, helping the police, facing a budding love,.... All while being supported by her two besties.
I don't want to spoil anything but those who enjoyed book 1 and 2 will love this one just as much, if not more!
Profile Image for Rozanne Cadotte.
115 reviews
October 19, 2022
So good!

The kind of friends every one wishes for! ThIS is the kind of story that EH writes in all her series that we all love. Great storylines, yes. Interesting locations, yes. But most important of all, Relationships! Between friends, lovers and families, whether they be blood or chosen, and even the four legged ones we let into our hearts. These are the stories that touch us the best.
15 reviews
October 18, 2022
Loved it! The story is about Evy, the third of the trio following on from books 1 & 2. She's commentating for the dog show - chaos and comedy ensue, as do the dog puns! It's a ball :) The "who done it" is so well planned I never saw the end coming and it's the perfect story to wrap up the trilogy - absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
893 reviews22 followers
October 18, 2022
Trouble Play is the third in the Vista de Lirio series and probably my favorite. Let's face it, the H has a British accent, and there are lots of dogs; well, there you have it. We've gotten to know Evy in the previous two books and knew she seemed to struggle the most with her psychic abilities. They were overwhelming to her and made her not want to learn to use them. However, there's a murder, a missing diamond and platinum dog collar, and a whole hodgepodge of suspects. We learn more about Evy and her feelings of inadequacy when she compared herself to Julia and Vivian (her two besties). However, as the book progressed, we watch Evy learn more about her gift and herself and become more accepting of both. Which aids her greatly as the three friends solve the mystery. Rafe, our "sort of" hero, is a perfect foil to Evy and is dashing and fun. There is Paco, the "world's most judgemental alpaca." A bunch of darling dogs that include poodles, Afghan hounds, corgis, and a wide assortment of other fancy breeds.

As with the other paranormal women's fiction that Elizabeth has written, the voices of the characters as women over forty resonate because the things she portrays so well are what we all are or will be dealing with as we age (well, except for the psychic part). I love this about these books, and I hope Elizabeth never stops writing these. This book was so enjoyable I hated for it to end. There could always be more mysteries to solve in Vista de Lirio--one can hope!
Profile Image for Dita.
858 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2022
The air around Casa de Lirio was alive with the thoughts of friends who were really - more than anything - family. And that was the sweetest sound of all.

It's the last book from Vista de Lirio series and it makes me sad because I loveee this series, it's super fun paranormal cozy mystery read, super entertaining, it's just fun from the first book to the last book, from the first page to the last page, it's been a blast.

What I like:
- Everything is revolves around the Desert Fancy Dog Show, so there's a lot of wonderful dogs.
- The mystery, love the plot twist, with small suspect pool, it's fun guessing who's the murderer.
- The characters, Evy took the center stage here and from the first book I adore her, she's just a fun character. And there's Julia, Vivian , Sergio, Dean and yummy delicious hotness Rafe, all of them are just cheff's kiss, love them all, love their frienship, love all the banter.
- Lots of laughter.
- Paco the Alpaca, who doesn't love alpaca? this creature is soooo naughty and cute and adorable.
- The steaminess, not many steamy scene but it's pretty steamy.

What I don't like: NONE...it's a fun read, I enjoy every second of it.

Recommended: absolutely, if you're looking for a fun cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a lot of laughter and alpaca, this series definitely a must
Profile Image for Sassafrack.
479 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2022
Beautiful story

I needed a bit of time to straighten my head after this one. So many twists. There was intuitive leaps and conjecture and whatever other fancy words mean “Having a Guess”, and in the end, I had no freaking idea.
I really felt for Evy. She was working hard at life and doing well despite her doubts, managing the small company she inherited, and making a name for herself as a ventriloquist and comedian. Then this telepathy thing came along, and she was just so overwhelmed. She’s weirded out by the fact that her dummy is haunted, and the only way she’s found so far to keep everyone’s thoughts out of her head and stop herself from feeling crazy is to medicate. Which, is not ideal. But she’s got a great new job as cohost at a dog show. Easy peasy right. She’s funny, he knows dogs, no problems. Until a missing dog and stolen diamonds are just the start of this crazy mystery. With an arena of high strung dog people and the stressed out staff behind the whole production, there are plenty of suspects when things turn bloody. Suddenly Evy has to get it together with the mind reading and help the police find the murderer.
It was both deep and touching to see this character who was essentially a bright, happy and carefree person, come to accept her new and intense reality and ability. The relationship that has grown between these women over the three books is supportive, solid and beautiful. Aside from a fantastic mystery that had me guessing from start to finish, it was wonderfully insightful writing and truly gorgeous to read.
86 reviews
October 11, 2022
Evy (EV Lane) is a pool cleaning ventriloquist with a special gift. Is it a gift? Sometimes the voices are just too TOO much. Why, of all the things, did she get telepathy? She had to stop performing with Geoff, her ventriloquism buddy, because there were too many people in the room. Their thoughts shouted at her. TOO much.
When she was hired to co-host a dog show, she was elated! She took her antidepressants (they kept the voices away) and on with the show! Her other host, Chip, was a British man that was very knowledgeable about dogs and dog shows.
When the champion poodle of the local dog show matriarch goes missing, EV's gift may be helpful in finding him. When the crime goes from dognapping to murder, she and her friends are called in for assistance. There are more suspects than you can shake a chew toy at!
I really enjoyed this book! The plot twists are unexpected and I know way more about dog shows than I did before :D As always, Ms. Hunter takes the reader into the world she has created. She adds humor and passion to her characters to make them relatable. Oh yeah....the passion!
Even though I received an ARC, I purchased the book as well.
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,051 reviews28 followers
November 1, 2022
This was probably my favourite of the Vista de Lirio books.

While the dog show setting wasn't something I was initially excited about, Ms Hunter made it an enjoyable read. And while I wouldn't describe this as a true 'romance', it did have a strong romantic plot thread, and I was totally there for it (that said, much like Julia, I'm hanging out for Evy and John to get together at some point)

Plotwise, this was probably THE most twisty of the three PWF sets. I'm happy to say I didn't spot any of the twists coming, so they were a delightful surprise when they arrived.

Plus, as with all of Ms Hunter's PWF, the female friendships are A++ (and I quite enjoyed Evy's reflections on that topic over the course of the book). Also, one of the conversations between Evy and Aunt Marie had me crying happy tears.

Honestly, my only criticism of this book is that it's the last of the Vista de Lirio books, and I just don't want to leave these characters behind. But I know we have more Benzin coming (possibly more Briwyn too), so at least there'll be other books to enjoy soon :-)
Profile Image for Nikki.
309 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2022
For this last trip to Vista de Lirio, Evy takes center stage with her off beat sense of humor while hosting an International Dog Show. Oh! my, what could go wrong you say, it's just a dog show. Yeah, okay, Elizabeth Hunter will show you it's not just a dog show, and you will never watch another dog show the same way again...

Now the scene is set for this last mystery with our girls, and this one will keep you guessing almost to the end. It certainly surprised me, and I read a lot of mysteries. The web of intrigue was so expertly done, with lots of details and false leads. Plenty of humor, and a love interest that wasn't expected. I share the same opinion as Julia at the gathering at the end of the book, so you'll have to read it to find out what that means.

As usual, no matter what Elizbeth Hunter writes, you are drawn into the pages and you are unable to leave until you reach the end. It is so believable, and current and so relatable, because these are lived in women... In other words, yep, I'm of the same generation.

Each trilogy has gotten better and better and better. The trio of women each have different traits, are entertaining, humorous and are all lived in, who become great friends that wonder where they've been all their life. I am wondering what will be the next trilogy of mysteries that will take us by storm. Keep up the awesome work.
276 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2022
Trouble Play is book three in the Vista de Lirio series and what a ride! I love these gals so much! This is Evy's book and I loved the mystery and ghosts and everything in between. What I really loved was the friendship and family these characters have. The main characters, the side characters and the animals are all amazing and a great example of family, love and respect. The writing is excellent and the story keeps you guessing. I also loved that we got a dog loving Welshman in a flamingo print shirt! Read this book or start this series now!
I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book
Profile Image for Alison.
771 reviews25 followers
October 12, 2022
This was a fun murder mystery that has you twisted in circles trying to figure out who did it. So many possibilities and you can never really pin it down until the end!

Evie is still coming to terms with her telepathy, by not dealing with it. She was funny and real and I enjoyed her a lot. I love the relationship she has with her friends!
Profile Image for Denise Belt.
312 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2022
Palm Springs is already full of rich and sometimes snobby people, but when the Desert Fancy dog show comes to town, the town has more than enough suspects when people start dying. Evy has been hired to be the mistress of ceremonies, and she’s not sure she’s up for the challenge but is determined to give it her best.

John Marcos, the chief of police in Palm Springs, wants Evy to use her telepathy to help him find the killer. Still, Evy is determined to keep taking her anti-anxiety meds that keep all the inner monologues in the brains of the people thinking of them but when does Evy ever get what she wants?, Rafe, a new character in the series brings some mystery, sexiness, and possibilities to town for Evy, but she’s one for fun, not necessarily something more than that.

One thing I like about this series that Hunter has been doing is that she focuses on a specific character and goes more in-depth, but the characters from the previous books are still there, making me smile every time.
Profile Image for ~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~.
403 reviews24 followers
November 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this cozy yet hilarious mystery. The focus was truly on Evy and the mystery in this one. She was extremely witty but facing very serious mental health concerns with her gift. I like that she acknowledges that before jumping right into helping everyone. Oddly I liked the twists with her love life. Completely unexpected but probably better than imagined.
Profile Image for Jaime.
38 reviews
October 19, 2022
This is one dog gone good story! When some very valuable items go missing and bodies start turning up, the women of Vista de Lirio step in to help figure out where the poop is. You're going to just love Evy and her quick wit, especially when Geoff comes out. She might just be my favorite character of the trio now, but I'm so glad Julia and Vivian made some appearances. Oh, and Paco. He may have even stole the show when he came in.
Grab a paloma, sit on a lounge chair and see if you can solve the mystery of who and why. Just don't forget to pick the dog hair out of your shirt.
Profile Image for Larissa.
539 reviews106 followers
October 20, 2022
4.5 stars

I love everything Elizabeth Hunter writes!

Trouble Play is the the third book in the Vista Del Lírio trilogy and I am sad it is over. Romance, murder and a dog show? What else could I have asked for? :)

Hunter has a way of creating characters and world building that help you get lost in the adventures they go through. I will not spoil any of Trouble Play, but I do recommend you check out the previous two books in the series.

The Vista Del Lírio series is such a quick and lovely read, I can’t but hope and wait for more Paranormal Woman’s Fiction by Elizabeth Hunter :)

* I appreciate getting this novel in advance from the Author. The opinions above are all mine and mine alone :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.